Mal Shi

The Mal Shi is an adorable designer dog breed, which is a cross between the Maltese and Shih Tzu. They are loyal, affectionate, and low-shedding, and the ultimate lap dog, and a perfect fit for dog lovers with allergies. They have a playful personality, a gentle nature, and an apartment-friendly size. The Mal Shi makes an excellent companion for many types of households, families, singles, and seniors alike.

Quick Facts

• Height: Around 10 inches
• Weight: 5 – 12 pounds
• Lifespan: 12 – 14 years
• Temperament: Affectionate, social, playful, alert
• Best for: Families with older children, seniors, first-time owners

History & Origin

The Mal Shi is a relatively new hybrid breed. It is believed to have been developed in the 1990s and early 2000s when designer dogs became popular. This cross combines the gentle, low-shedding Maltese and the affectionate and sturdy Shih Tzu. This cross created a small companion dog that is both hypoallergenic and adaptable to different living situations.

Appearance

Mal Shis are the perfect size for lap dogs, measuring 10 inches high and weighing between 5 and 12 pounds. They typically have a silky, soft, medium to long coat. This can be straight like the Maltese or wavy like the Shih Tzu. Common coat colors include white, cream, black, brown, or combinations of these colors. They have charming, expressive faces with round eyes and button noses.

Temperament & Personality

The Mal Shi is affectionate, loving, alert, and devoted. They inherit their temperament from both parents, making them gentle, fearless, and playful.

From their Shih Tzu side, they inherit their guard dog trait. So while they won’t be able to fend off intruders, they will be sure to let you know someone is there. While they do bark when something is wrong, they are not even half as noisy as both their parents!

In addition, they are fast learners, and it will take no time to teach them new tricks. However, they are very needy dogs and can suffer from separation anxiety, so they should live in a home where their owner is always around.

Training & Exercise Needs

Because the Mal Shi is so intelligent, they are easy to train. They can sometimes be stubborn, though. And their eagerness to learn makes them the perfect breed for first-time owners. In addition, they are very social dogs, so socialization from a young age is imperative.

While the Mal Shi are very energetic, they do not need too much exercise; 15 to 30 minutes per day is enough. For example, as long as they get a few short exercise breaks during the day, they will have no problem cuddling up on your lap later.

However, they should always have toys available to help with stimulation. Be cautious about how much exercise they get because they are brachycephalic, which means they can’t get too hot or overexert themselves.

Grooming & Maintenance

When it comes to grooming, Mal Shi’s are very similar to their parents. They typically have silky, long, and straight hair. However, sometimes their hair is wavy, which requires daily brushing to prevent tangles or matting.

Mal Shis are prone to tear stains around their eyes, so the area also needs daily cleaning. Luckily, they don’t shed a lot, but their nails grow fast and need clipping every two to three weeks.

To prevent tartar build-up, their teeth need brushing three times a week; however, some owners brush their furballs’ teeth every day to prevent tooth decay. Therefore, it’s essential to use the best dog toothpaste you can find to keep their teeth clean and healthy. In addition, keeping your Mal Shi looking its best will require weekly baths.

Diet & Nutrition

The Mal Shi thrives on high-quality kibble. It would be best to choose a brand that offers a formula that caters to their unique needs. Therefore, choose a brand with a small breed formula that has high nutritional value.

In addition, you should always account for the different stages in Mal Shi’s development. For example, there are specific foods for every stage of their lives. Puppies should be fed high-quality food for puppies of small breeds, while older dogs should be fed food specifically for senior dogs.

On average, your Mal Shi should receive ¼ to ½ a cup of dog food daily, divided into two meals. That sounds very little, but overfeeding your pooch is not a good idea. If they gain weight, it can lead to several health issues, like diabetes or obesity.

Health & Lifespan

The Mal Shi can live for 12 to 14 years, if you care for them properly. Unfortunately, this mixed breed can inherit its parents’ health issues, which include:

• Patellar Luxation
• White shaker syndrome
• Respiratory problems

However, with proper care, a nutritious diet, and the right amount of exercise, your Mal Shi can live a long and healthy life. In addition, they should go for regular vet checkups to prevent any surprises.

Mal Shi Puppies

Mal-Shi puppies love being the center of attention, but that’s ok because they are so adorable! However, don’t let their cute little faces fool you; they need to start training as soon as possible. In addition, they need to be socialized from a young age. You can do this by taking them to a dog park or other new environments where they can meet new animals and people.

If you neglect socializing your pup, it could result in a whole bunch of behavioral issues, like:

• Wariness of other animals or people
• Fear
• Anxiousness
• Aggressiveness

Unsocialized pups can lash out for simple reasons, leading to unsolicited nipping when defending their food or toys.

Mal Shi and Children

While the Mal Shi is friendly and playful, they are more suited to families with older children. However, any dog breed should never be left alone with small children, as they don’t know how to treat dogs properly, which could result in the child being bitten.

If socialized from a young age, these dogs do very well in multi-pet homes and will want to play with anything or anyone.

Pros and Cons of Owning a Mal Shi

As with all dog breeds, there are always pros and cons that owners need to take into account before making their decision.

Dogs Similar to the Mal Shi

• Blonka-Poo: A mix between a miniature poodle and Russian Tsvetnaya Bolonka.
• Yorkie-ton: A mix between a Coton de Tulear and a Yorkshire Terrier.
• Shiranian: A mix between a Shih Tzu and a Pomeranian